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All you Need to Know about Ao Nang, Krabi, Thailand

Ao Nang Travel Guide

The most visited destination in the Krabi province, Ao Nang is flocked by visitors because of its many tourist draws. Because it is situated in the coast of Southern Thailand, Ao Nang’s beach is decorated with a pretty postcard-worthy view and magnificent limestone cliffs.

Although its beach – the sand in particular – isn’t as impressive as Patong’s, the wide variety of activities that are offered definitely makes up for it. People can take part in a number of water activities such as swimming, scuba diving and snorkelling. And then after a long day out in the sun, you can get yourself a refreshing Thai massage in one of the many spas in the area.

There are also shops selling a wide array of things from souvenirs and local trinkets to  fake Rolex watches and tailored suits. For the hungry traveller, the beachfront has countless of bars and restaurants serving all kinds of cuisine, especially Western food which is why it has come to be known as “Little Italy”.

Mostly serving as a jump-off point, Ao Nang is perfect for those who wish to explore Railay Beach, one of Thailand’s most beautiful beaches, and other nearby islands like Ko Hong and Ko Poda during the day and return at night for the town’s nightlife and comfy accommodations. Phra Nang Beach, listed on Trip Advisor’s best beaches in Thailand, is a mere 20-minute boat ride. Even though it doesn’t have any establishments on the island, there are boats along the beach that sell food for a pretty cheap price.

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Noppharat Thara Beach, which is just 3 kilometers away from Ao Nang proper, is a long stretch of underdeveloped beach which I found attractive because of its natural setting. Most of the people you’ll see here are local folks and youngsters who get together for a picnic. Beach stalls scattered around the beach sell Muslim snacks and scrumptious seafood.

Recommended Stays

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Because Ao Nang is Krabi’s most popular tourist destination, there’s a ton of accommodations to choose from to suite your preferences. If you’re on a budget, Aonang Goodwill is an inexpensive guesthouse with clean rooms, fast WiFi and excellent staff. Offering various tour packages to its guests, Slumber Party Hostel is also a good choice for those not wanting to splurge on accommodations. For those who prefer comfort over thriftiness, there is Ao Nang Paradise Resort, Ascot Krabi and the luxurious Cliff Aonang Resort.

Personally, Alisea Boutique Hotel, where I stayed, made my whole trip infinitely better. The gorgeous hotel, while leaning more toward the pricey end of the scale, is worth every penny spent from its exceptional service to its beautiful rooms.

How to Get There

If you’re flying in from anywhere in Thailand or Malaysia, Air Asia to either Krabi International Airport (KBV) or Phuket International Airport (HKT) is your best bet for a reasonable fare.

From Krabi Airport, you have two ways to get to Ao Nang. The fist is riding a shuttle offered by the tour operator desks in the airport. The shuttles that leave for Ao Nang leave every 20 minutes and costs around THB 200 per person. The second option is to ride a Songtaew, a covered truck where passengers sit at the back, which you can find along the streets of Krabi Town. Simply look for a Songtaew with an “Ao Nang” sign and pay the THB 60 fare. These trucks leave for Ao Nang every 15-20 minutes. Travel time from Krabi Tow to Ao Nang varies depending on the traffic, being as short as 30 minutes to as long as an hour.

If you’re coming in from Phuket Airport, ride one of the minibuses that will take you to the Phuket Bus Station for THB 100. You have to wait for 10 or more people to board before the minibus leaves for the bus station which is 30-45 minutes away. Once there, look for the bus with Krabi Town as its destination. With a THB 60 fare, the travel time from the bus station to the town center is around 3 hours.

If you’re coming in from Phuket Airport, ride one of the minibuses that will take you to the Phuket Bus Station for THB 100. You have to wait for 10 or more people to board before the minibus leaves for the bus station which is 30-45 minutes away. Once there, look for the bus with Krabi Town as its destination. With a THB 60 fare, the travel time from the bus station to the town center is around 3 hours.

There are also ferry options when you plan on getting to Ao Nang from other islands. We took a ferry to Ao Nang from Phi Phi.

Just another tip, if Phuket is next on your itinerary and you’re a big group, you can rent a van to take you from Ao Nang to Phuket for THB 2,800. Although it isn’t the cheapest option, a comfortable and relaxing means of transportation can be just what you need after the hustle of travel.

77 thoughts on “All you Need to Know about Ao Nang, Krabi, Thailand

  1. That’s really lovely. They have a lot to offer and it’s such a nice treat because the island is untouched and very clean too. It’s good to discover places such as this!

    1. May I add, I wonder why Ao Nang is the most popular tourist destination in Thailand then I see the great photos that you post, no more questions now!

  2. I miss going to the beach, it’s always more enjoyable when there are less people and the beach is untouched by civilization, like this one. Ao Nang is definitely worth going to!

  3. That looks like a very beautiful place. I would love to check that out sometime. Makes me want to take a trip there now. I’m sure my husband would love it too.

  4. How beautiful! I’d love to go to Ao Nang one day and explore these beaches! Looks like a paradise! Pinned your post for the future!

  5. It is my dream to visit Thailand by road; it is almost 4500 km from India and it would take more than 7 hours straight to reach Thailand via Myanmar (another country). So much adventure. Tanks for sharing the most informative Ao Nang travel guide.

  6. I’ve always wanted to visit Thailand. The ocean and countryside are so beautiful, and even the cities have their own special look about them. So cool!

  7. Great pictures! You definitely have brought Thailand to us and because of your post, I wanna go to Thailand!

  8. Thailand looks so romantic, I wanna go there one of these days and have a fun bonding moment with my family.

  9. Thailand is big on my bucket list. Not just for its beautiful scenery, but I really want to do a volunteer vacation at the elephant sanctuary.

  10. This looks like such a fun place to visit for sure, I have never been away from the East Coast in USA, but hope to get out and explore more someday!

  11. I love tropical countries because of the weather condition, Thailand looks so refreshing, I want to sunbathe in those beaches!

  12. Ao Nang looks so romantic! I want to go there someday and enjoy the tour- the beach, the culture and the local foods!

  13. I have always wanted to go to Thailand. Railay Beach is something I would love to see if I ever visit Thailand. This awesome information about what you need to know before going to Thailand. Thanks sharing.

  14. My goodness, this is such a wonderful place for a great vacation that could give some peace to the heart. The pictures are gorgeous & so inviting, that beach is quiet amazing to watch. Thailand being one of my favorite destinations, I would take notes from your post.

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